Real Madrid make history in unexpected final

Real Madrid won the FIFA Club World Cup for a third consecutive time and fourth overall to overtake Spanish arch-rivals Barcelona as the competition's record titleholders.

Santiago Solari's charges overcame surprise package Al Ain in the final, with the local side throwing everything forward in their dream match-up. Hussein Elshahat and goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, in particular, gave Madrid an early scare before Los Blancos' ruthlessness in front of goal dashed the underdogs' hopes of causing an upset.

Nevertheless, the runners-up can leave with their heads held high. After qualifying for UAE 2018 as domestic champions, they beat Team Wellington, Esperance de Tunis and River Plate to unexpectedly reach the title-decider.

Disappointments

Having been crowned kings of South America, River Plate travelled to Abu Dhabi hoping to end the year on a high note, only to be frustrated by Al Ain. Marcelo Gallardo’s men ultimately had to settle for a bronze medal after beating a brave Kashima Antlers side 4-0. Gonzalo Martinez struck a brace, his stunning second goal a worthy way to bid farewell to Los Millonarios.

Chivas returned home disappointed after going ahead early on in both of their games, only to throw the lead away each time.

UAE 2018 in black and white

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid celebrates with the trophy

25 Dec 2018

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid celebrates with the trophy after the FIFA World Club Cup final between Al Ain and Real Madrid on December 22, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Santiago Solari holds the FIFA Club World Cup trophy

25 Dec 2018

Santiago Solari, Manager of Real Madrid holds the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy following the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 Final between Al Ain and Real Madrid at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Real Madrid lift the FIFA Club World Cup trophy

25 Dec 2018

Real Madrid lift the trophy after the FIFA World Club Cup final between Al Ain and Real Madrid on December 22, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Sergio Ramos of holds the Real Madrid pennant

25 Dec 2018

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid CF holds the Real Madrid's badge at the tunnel prior to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 Final between Al Ain and Real Madrid at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid

25 Dec 2018

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid CF holds the Real Madrid's badge at the tunnel prior to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 Final between Al Ain and Real Madrid at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Khalid Eisa of Al Ain FC celebrates with his team-mates

20 Dec 2018

Khalid Eisa of Al Ain FC celebrates with his team mates at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup Cup 2018 Semi Final match between River Plate and Al Ain at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on December 18, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Hussein El Shahat of Al Ain FC celebrates

20 Dec 2018

AL AIN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 18: (EDITOR'S NOTE: this image has been converted to black and white) Hussein El Shahat of Al Ain FC celebrates at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup Cup 2018 Semi Final match between River Plate and Al Ain at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on December 18, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Caio of Al Ain in action

20 Dec 2018

Caio of Al Ain in action during the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 Semi Final between River Plate and Al Ain on December 18, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Juan Quintero of River Plate takes a corner

20 Dec 2018

Juan Quintero of River Plate takes a corner during the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 Semi Final between River Plate and Al Ain on December 18, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

River Plate and Al Ain players walk out

20 Dec 2018

Players walk out the tunnel during the FIFA Club World Cup Cup 2018 Semi Final match between River Plate and Al Ain at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on December 18, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Jonatan Maidana of River Plate looks on

20 Dec 2018

Jonatan Maidana of CA River Plate looks on at the tunnel area during the FIFA Club World Cup Cup 2018 Semi Final match between River Plate and Al Ain at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on December 18, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Fans of Kashima Antlers support their team ahead

20 Dec 2018

Fans of Kashima Antlers support their team ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 second round match between Kashima Antlers and CD Guadalajara at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

CD Guadalajara players leaves the pitch

20 Dec 2018

CD Guadalajara players leaves the pitch after the first half during the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 second round match between Kashima Antlers and CD Guadalajara at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Mohammed Belaili of ES Tunis celebrates after scoring

20 Dec 2018

Mohammed Belaili of ES Tunis celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup Cup 2018 Semi Final match between ES Tunis and CD Guadalajara at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on December 18, 2018 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)